EMC WATER SYSTEM, INC.
PO BOX 169
ELMER LA 71424
OFFICE (318)-659-3156
FAX (318) 659-3660
January 7, 2014
IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR DRINKING WATER
TEST SHOWED COLIFORM BACTERIA IN EMC WATER SYSTEM, INC.
Our water system recently violated a drinking water standard. Even though this was not an
emergency, as our customers, you have a right to know what happened and what we are doing to
correct the situation.
WE ROUTINELY MONITOR YOUR DRINKING WATER CONTAMINANTS.
During the reporting period of December 1, 2013 to December 31, 2013 the EMC Water
System Inc. violated the maximum contaminant level of coliform bacteria as set forth in the State
and Federal Primary Drinking Water Regulations [Part XII of the Louisiana State Sanitary Code
(LAC 51:XII)]. Action has been taken to eliminate the contamination.
THE SITUATION WAS DUE TO:
We receive our sample bags for the Dept. of Health and Hospitals. Due to unknown
circumstances, the bags that we used for gathering water samples, were contaminated. We
received a violation of an excess of total coliform due to these contaminated sample bags.
THE FOLLOWING CORRECTIVE ACTIONS HAVE BEEN TAKEN:
All sample bags that may have been contaminated were destroyed. New sample bags were
obtained. Additional water samples showed no coliform bacteria.
WHAT SHOULD I DO?
You do not need to boil your water or take other corrective actions. However, if you have
specific health concerns, consult your doctor.
People with severely compromised immune systems, infants, and some elderly may be at
increased risk. These people should seek advice about drinking water from their health care
providers. General guidelines on ways to lessen the risk of infection by microbes are available from
EPA’s Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 1-800-426-4791.
WHAT DOES THIS MEAN?
This is not an emergency. If it had been you would have been notified immediately. Total
coliform bacteria are generally not harmful themselves. Coliforms are bacteria that are naturally
present in the environment and are used as an indicator that other, potentially-harmful, bacteria may
be present. Coliforms were found in more samples than allowed and this was a warning of potential
problems.
Usually, coliforms are a sign that there could be a problem with the treatment or
distribution system (pipes). Whenever we detect coliform bacteria in any sample, we do follow-up
testing to see if other bacteria of greater concern, such as fecal coliform or E. coli, are present. We
did not find any of these (E. coli) bacteria in our subsequent testing. If we had, we would have
notified you immediately.
Please share this information with all the other people who drink this water, especially those
who may not have received this notice directly (for example, people in apartments, nursing
homes, schools, and businesses). You can do this by posting this notice in a public place or
distributing copies by hand or mail.
This notice is being sent to you by EMC Water System, Inc., LA1079006. If you have questions
about this notice please contact the water system directly: Mr. Johnny Bennett, President at
318-659-3156 or Debbie Robinson at 318-481-3157.
In accordance with Federal Law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race,
color, national origin, age, disability, and where applicable, sex marital status, familial status, parental status, religion, sexual orientation,
genetic information, political beliefs, reprisal, or because all or part of an individual’s income is derived from any public assistance program.
To file a complaint of discrimination, write: USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, DC
20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272 (voice) or (202) 720-6382 (TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity employer.